WHERE'S MY FRESH DIET FOOD?

First of all, let me tell you who I am. I'm a Westie by the name of Lily. My master's name is Carol. I think she's committing some kind of crime. I hate to snitch on her but......I want some of that FRESH DIET food!! I would like to know if there's some kind of law written somewhere on the books, that states she should be feeding me THE BEST diet. After all we're talking about my well being here.

If I was eating the proper nutrition, I know I wouldn't be scratching my hide so much and my coat would be as shiny as I noticed her hair was getting. Her skin is great too. She also has so much energy, during our daily walks, I noticed she's practically running now. I'm trying to keep up with her.

I keep hunting everywhere for something like That Fresh Diet food, but I can't find any anywhere. Nothing smells as good as The Fresh Diet. The other day Carol put her lunch out in the garden and then went in the house for something. Boy... did I try my best to jump on that cafe chair. I know I could have devoured that FRESH DIET BURGER before she returned.

Man!!! No such luck, she caught me just as I was trying to reach over to grab it! She can be so mean sometimes. She sat there and ate it right in front of me! I kept trying to nudge her leg every minute but she just ignored me. I could smell that FRESH DIET BURGER and let me tell you the aroma was more than I could stand. So, I tried to jump on her lap! She scolded me and then she did the MOST ridiculous thing! She went and got my DOG FOOD and she actually put it in an empty FRESH DIET container. Does she think I'm stupid! I just ignored it! 

When she finally got up and went into the house with the empty plate, I followed and just looked right up at her and gave her that LOOK. You know the one. The pleading one that means can I just lick your plate...pleeese!

Every night around 9:15 P.M. I lie in wait for what she calls the FRESH DIET FAIRY.  I lie in the hall leading to the living room where I can hear him come. The minute I hear the car door I start barking in excitement. I just can't help myself. I just know delicious smelling food is in those bags he brings. I can't wait for Carol to open them. I run out ahead of her, practically tripping her, but I want to get to them first! She takes them in and I nudge them with my nose all the way to the kitchen. I know I keep getting in her way but I have to see and smell that scrumptious food. Maybe,  she might just give me some of it. I try to jump up and look in those bags as she's getting the containers out. She's just too quick for me. I tried to knock one out of her hands but she put them in the fridge before I could. Geesh!

In the evening, I have to sit right by her side every time she eats that FRESH DIET CHEESECAKE.

I practically put my face right in it so she'll give me a bite. Oh no, she doesn't.  I like when she eats it right out of the container instead of putting it on a plate. I have a way of snitching the container after she's done with it and then I'm in heaven! I can spend an hour just trying to lick every morsel from the crevices of the container. Let me tell you, I can lick that thing cleaner than a whistle! Then I show her my love by snuggling up to her all night long!

Ooooh yeah! I've got to tell you it kills me every time she takes a photo of her food!

It gets me so crazy. The aromas of that FRESH DIET food is just too much for me to take. I circle around her as she's trying to set everything up. I'm hoping some falls my way. She just keeps chasing me away.

One morning, she just through me out in the yard! I was livid! 

Well...I'm waiting for an answer, is there a law out there that says, SHE'S GOT TO SHARE HER FRESH DIET WITH ME!

A NEW YEAR IS COMING!

Here it is December 2010 already. This year took wings! Lots has happened this year, good, sad, happy and exciting, and of course I've grown a year younger. oops! Did I say a year younger! 

You heard right, I did! Let's not dwell on the sad, tears, and gloom parts but the happy and exciting parts. Especially the growing younger part. I'll let you in on my little secret.

Earlier this year in February, I got an e-mail from a company called THE FRESH DIET. It sounded intriguing. The word FRESH got my attention. 

It was telling me about Gourmet Dieting in the comfort of my own home. I read about meals delivered fresh daily, not weekly. Never frozen, never freeze dried, never vacuum-packed like other programs I had read about. Those just turned me off. 

This one sounded altogether different. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks. Wow! Now, did that mean no more grocery runs, no cooking or food prep and wondering what to have to eat today or tomorrow or next week! 

I had to find out more about this program. The more I learned the more I wanted to try it. I found out that when I join the program, I get to make my own meal selections and chose delivery times online. If I have any questions or need any assistance at all, someone is always there to help toll-free 24/7. 

The program can be adapted to special needs. It's all about optimal nutrition, not just weight loss.

The more I read the more I wanted it. I could even chose a plan with unlimited dislikes, and could choose meals for the day from a list of 4 breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, 6 choices of sides and 6 choices of snacks. All gourmet and based on Dr. Sears' Zone Diet's nutritionally balanced way of eating.

What made me finally pick up the phone was reading that the menus are created by a Cordon Bleu Chef, Executive Chef Yosef Schwartz 0f the world-renowned Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. ALRIGHT! No more frozen boring Lean Cuisines for me that I was getting sick of on the days I was too busy to cook.

I was more tempted to dial the number 1-866-373-7450. I finally read that it was designed to promote lean body mass.  If it could do that to this 60 something yr. old body, I'm game. Weight loss. Bingo....menopause had put pounds on me I thought would permanently make me look like an old dumpy woman. Decreased carbohydrate craving. I won't even go there! Lowered blood sugar levels, increased energy levels and improved mental clarity. I thought all this and gourmet fresh food, no more work in the kitchen. Okay, my fingers started dialing. 

The first impression, I got was how Customer Service was so helpful. They were not pushy. They answered all my questions. After speaking to them, I knew I was doing the right thing trying out this program. During the whole year, customer service agents were always there when I needed them, always friendly, always helpful. I usually deal with the same one and she always greets me like an old friend and happy to hear from me, ready to help.

On Feb. 8th I started with THE FRESH DIET. Little did I know, it would be the beginning of a wonderful year for me.

I was so excited and a little nervous for that first cooler bag to arrive. When I saw it, I felt happy as a little kid on her birthday. I saw it as a really great special gift. I still do at the end of this wonderful year.

The food is EVERYTHING they said it would be gourmet fresh and quality produce, meats/fish/chicken. I'm so spoiled now, after having a gourmet chef preparing my meals all year. I've lost the 25 pounds menopause put on in about 2 1/2 months! TFD has given me a lean younger looking body, my curves are back. I've even gotten whistles on the street at my age! Wow! I have more energy, I'm healthier, don't ever feel tired any more from lack of good nutrition. I feel younger! I went from a size 12 to a 2 & 4! Can you imagine how I felt slipping into size 4 jeans!!! WOW! The Fresh Diet has kept my weight off all year and taught me all about nutrition and portion control and how important it is to drink water.

I don't have the cravings I used to get and I feel satisfied. I always look forward to my FRESH DIET cooler bag every day and greet it with a smile from ear to ear. It's always exciting to unzip the bag and take out my containers of meals and snacks. It's exciting to know my meals are all nutritious and I don't have to lift a finger to prepare them. No more grocery runs, no more food prep, no cooking, no clean-up. No worries about what to eat today or tomorrow or next week!! More time for my man, my garden, my art, and exercise. I love the outdoors and love walking in different places everyday. More time for anything I want to do.

 We are about to start a NEW YEAR. 2011 is only weeks away. I bet you know what one of my NEW YEAR'S resolution is! YES to another year of THE FRESH DIET. Thanks to the really great sale they had of $29.99!

If you check out their Facebook page you'll see that they are a really generous company. They are always having contests for anyone who wants to join in and win FREE days, weeks, and months of THE FRESH DIET. The contests are so easy and fun. The people on their Facebook page are wonderful, caring and some very funny. Jim Gilbert of the FRESH DIET is called our "Fearless TFD Leader". He's a peach! Always willing to help and mans the TFD Facebook. It has a "family" feel to it. You even get to hear from Chef Yosef Shwartz, and the CEO Zalmi Dutchman as well as the others. Customer service agents peek in too and leave comments. Everyone is encouraging and ready to help people peeking in. All are welcome.

I'm looking forward to a NEW YEAR and continuing with my FRESH DIET plan and feeling still younger despite another year. Why don't you join me. You won't regret it! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

...................THE DASH.........................

I love this poem and wanted to share it with you during this Holiday Season. It reminds me of why I was  put on this earth, and what I can do to make a difference. 

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

 Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough 

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

                 by Linda Ellis

-------RECLAIMING YOUR LIFE-------

EVERY now and then our lives can feel totally out of control. With the amount of stimuli and stress that surrounds us, it is very easy to feel off kilter, lost and overwhelmed. When this occurs, we must center ourselves and bring our attention back to our heart. In essence, we must take our life back. With all our attention being focused out into the world, we can lose sight of what is most important and essential.

We can see this process easily in physics. Just imagine that you are reaching toward something. If you don't support yourself properly, you will topple over. It is the same way when we reach out into the world. If we don't bring our whole self with us, we can feel off balance and unsafe.

When life gets especially busy, we forget to look at nature. In fact, we forget to look at everything. All the beautiful nuances in life get overlooked. Our focus goes directly to our problems, and we begin to miss our opportunities and dreams. Our vision gets blurred as we swirl around in our heads. This is when it is essential to drag ourselves away from our desks and all electronic media and devices, and go some place where we can see a sunset, dig our feet into sand or walk in a forest.

When the sun rises and the sun sets, it is a very auspicious time. We are able to move between the inner and outer world with more ease.

 When we see the sunset, it reminds us to settle down. it shows us how miraculous the world is and how we are a part of it. It signals to our bodies to let go and trust. When the sun sets, we are reminded of our own inner rhythm. This rhythm must be honored or else we feel out of sync and out of time. So this week, whenever you feel overwhelmed, go outside and replenish your spirit and reconnect with yourself. Take your life back. These rituals happen for a reason and they are there for us everyday, a gift to us. The sunset is an experience that we all share. It brings us together. Tomorrow as the sun rises allow it to lift your spirit and hope and enthusiasm and as it sets let it fill your heart with peace and trust.


 These words from Michele Bernhardt reminds us not to dwell on the negative, and simply enjoy and find comfort in the beauty around us.

~~~~~~~~~COURAGE~~~~~~~~~

Courage doesn't always roar. 

Sometime courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 

"I will try again tomorrow."

M. A. Radmacher

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

the courage to change the things I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference.

R. Niebuhr

Have courage for the great sorrows in life

 and patience for the small ones;

 and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks, 

go to sleep in peace. 

God is awake.

Victor Hugo

                         

THANK GOD IT'S…TUESDAY?

T.G.I.T.!!  Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, now does it?  I doubt you’ll hear the question, “Is it Tuesday yet?” repeated much around the office, either.  THAT, my friends, is precisely why I’ve decided to write a story in defense of Tuesday!  (That, and the fact that apparently it lacks the conviction to stand up for itself.)  I truly believe Tuesday has not been fully appreciated in the lives of many…most, I’d venture to say.

Tuesdays have simply been overlooked.  However, considering that Tuesday literally represents 1/7^th of our lives, or slightly over 14%, (I did the math myself after Googling how to convert a fraction into a percentage!) I’ve begun to change my thinking and have been, as of late, anticipating and celebrating my Tuesdays!  Let’s face it, Tuesdays have gotten a bum rap.  Whether negative or positive, all of the other days during the week have a role, a position, a niche in life.  In my mind, Tuesday conjures up images of that skinny guy on the beach who always got sand kicked in his face by the bodybuilder.  (If that commercial was before your time, my sincere apologies.)

Monday – The first day of the work week.  It may not be the most anticipated or enjoyable day of the week, but at least it has that going for it!  Many times Monday is included as part of a holiday three-day weekend, thereby forcing Tuesday to step up as a pinch-hitter and take the wrath as the dreaded funsucker day after the long weekend.  (It was also the host of Monday night football, a noteworthy trait whose reason for mention in this article remains undetermined.) 

Tuesday – uhm… well.  (I couldn’t even give it enough accolades to deserve a bold font.) 

Wednesday– This day holds the deed on some prime real estate whose plat lies smack dab in the middle of the work week.  The day even has its own nickname: “Humpday,” used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a rough week.  (Tuesday doesn’t have a nickname.) 

Thursday – Though it isn’t the end of the work week, people look forward to Thursday due to its proximity to Friday.  Thursday has it made.  Many times when Friday is included in a three-day weekend, Thursday becomes the pinch-hitter for Friday and therefore, receives all the awe and admiration usually bestowed upon that day. 

Friday – This lucky day holds esteem and power.  It is equivalent to the CEO of the work week.  (I believe if Friday were to take on a life form, it would have tremendous confidence and an inflated ego.)  There are few who don’t relish Friday, being the last of the five days that makes one work weak.  Even the famous nursery rhyme, chimes:  “Friday’s child is loving and giving…”  (Probably because it’s typically a payday.) 

Saturday – Need I say more?  Just repeating the word makes your mouth curl in a subconscious smile.  Saturday – I even smiled as I typed the “S” anticipating the letters that were coming afterwards – quite possibly is the most popular day of the week.  That is because the wordSaturday has become synonymous with the word fun.  Fun happens on Saturday.  Weddings, parties and picnics are planned on Saturday.  In fact, I’m surprised they didn’t just go ahead and name it, Funday.  (This may have been a deliberate oversight to avoid confusion, as it would have then rhymed with its successors…i.e., Friday, Funday, Sunday, Monday.) 

Sunday – Day of worship for many, and rest for most.  Sunday has a reputation as a respected, revered and well-regarded day.  Fine lunches are often planned on Sunday.  If days were coins, Sunday would be the most valuable.  It is, after all, the only one of the seven days whose first syllable commands such respect on the celestial sphere that others must orbit around it. 

So, aside from casting votes for politicians we will later regret, what does Tuesday own that is special and unique?  A travel site states that, according to their web site statistics, Tuesday seems to be the most popular day amongst office goers for daydreaming about their next holiday or vacation.  That, in itself, says a lot about Tuesday. 

Of course, there is always the voter’s Super Tuesday, history’s Black Tuesday and Mardi Gras’ Fat Tuesday…but what about just plain ole’ Tuesday?  It doesn’t have a reputation of its own based purely on the generic day itself.  It wouldn’t even qualify for a decent parking space in a workweek parking lot — it would probably be the space in the back…under the trees…where the birds congregate. 

Given that the average life span is estimated anywhere between 70 and 80 years, that grants us approximately 3,900 Tuesdays.  Following this pattern, I’ve spent around 2,444 Tuesdays with about 1,456 remaining, if I’m so blessed.  (I’m wondering how many of my readers are trying to calculate my age at this point…) 

My point is, from now on, I intend to look forward to each and every Tuesday.  I intend to make special plans on Tuesday.  I plan to make the next 1,456 Tuesdays so memorable that they make up for the 2,444 Tuesdays I’ve simply overlooked or counted the hours until I could mark from my calendar.  In fact, if I was granted a wish, I’d ask to have all those Tuesdays added back to my life’s account…and take the opportunity to live them once again.  

I vow, on this lovely Tuesday afternoon, to never take a Tuesday for granted again!  

Happy Tuesdays!
                                            Linda Ellis 2010
         

The Gifts Of Thankfulness And Gratitude

What if you began and ended each day with an expression of gratitude for the blessings in your life? Through prayer, journaling, or a phone call, how might that intentional ritual affect the quality of each day? What if each experience of gratitude was like a drop into the pool of your life, sending ripples in all directions? How far might those ripples spread? In contrast, what if gratitude was an infrequent blip on the radar or it was expressed only in times traditionally recognized as occasions to “give thanks”? How would that lack of gratitude impact your life?
 If I were to name one thing that has transformed my life, hands down it would be a deep experience of gratitude. In one of the darkest moments in my life, I began a practice of gratitude. It served as a life line, pulling me toward the light. At that particular time, I could have endlessly thought about what was not working in my life. I could have moaned and declared to the Universe that I was justified to complain. But it occurred to me when I did, that I only felt worse, and I seemed to perpetuate the hardship and pain., The shift into grateful living began simply,  one intentional word,  one feeling at a time. It was as if I planted seeds, and each day I watered the seeds with my words, intentions, and feelings. Now my life has grown into a bountiful garden, filled with color and amazing possibilities. 

                             So, What is Gratitude? 
A response of your heart. A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Think about your life in this moment. Perhaps you could fill endless pages with glowing words of appreciation; perhaps it is difficult to get past a blank page. Whether you are experiencing one of life’s brilliant pinnacles or slowly traversing a dark void, you get to choose. You may choose a feeling of lack or a feeling of abundance, choose a state of complaint or a state of gratitude. Here is the edge that comes when you complain: no matter how much you complain, you never feel satisfied. As each word flows out of your mouth,  it is as if you are greasing a slide that takes you farther down into discontent.
 I love the words of Wayne Dyer when he writes about being a love-finder rather than a fault-finder. Are you focusing on what is not working in your life or are you focusing on what is? The reality is that we all have some of both. What sets some folks apart, with a sparkle in their eye and a generous heart, is that they live their life as a love-finder. The ripples from their grateful heart can be felt by everyone around them. The rewards of feeling a deep sense of gratitude are extraordinary. You will feel more joyful, more attractive, more vibrant, more satisfied, and more present to giving and receiving love.

Now take a deep breath, settle yourself for a moment and then complete the following sentence which will help you begin right this moment your shift into more grateful living: "I feel so very grateful for...."  It is that easy.

Now let’s really dive into play.  Brainstorm ten outside-the-box ideas of ways you can express your gratitude to others. Watch the people in your life unfold into big smiles when you express just how very grateful you are. Be creative in that expression. 
Write a gratitude letter to yourself or to someone you know. 
Make a list of fifty things you are grateful for and keep it handy to look at when you find yourself sliding into a complaining mode. 
Create a Gratitude Journal. Set aside time everyday to think about, to feel, and to write down what you are grateful for. 
Be open to listening to the language of your heart. What a gift to feel a big open heart, to bask in your blessings, to choose consciously, intentionally to live a life of gratitude. Let gratitude ripple within you and joyfully out into your world.